Jamie Reuben ‘is considering making an offer to buy Chelsea’ – but his billionaire father and uncle would first be forced to sell the 10% stake in Newcastle they only acquired five months ago during Saudi takeover
- Jamie Reuben is the Chelsea-supporting son of billionaire investor David Reuben
- The businessman’s father owns about a tenth of Newcastle with brother Simon
- The 35-year-old could bid for Chelsea and eye a new stadium, a report has said
- Any deal could require his wealthy relatives to pass up their stake in Newcastle
Newcastle Director Jamie Reuben could buy Chelsea if his billionaire uncle and father sell their ten percent stake in the North East club, according to reports.
The Chelsea-supporting businessman is involved in the day-to-day running of Newcastle following the £305million of the club by a Saudi-backed consortium in October and has been seen in the stands at both home and away matches.
The 35-year-old has held early talks about making a bid for Chelsea on a personal basis and could tap into his family’s vast wealth to help finance a deal, Bloomberg quoted sources as saying.
Reuben’s father, David, and brother Simon are said to be worth £5.3billion each – and the money they have ploughed into Newcastle could prevent Chelsea’s prospective owner from pursuing his interest under Premier League requirements.
Competition rules outlaw any person with a ‘significant interest’ of ten percent or more in a club from investing in another team.
Chelsea’s future looks bleak after the Blues were handed a range of restrictions by the UK government as part of sanctions against current owner Roman Abramovich.
The club cannot sell matchday tickets or merchandise during the sanctions, while their away day spending has also been capped and shirt sponsor Three have asked to suspend their deal with the Champions League contenders.
Jamie Reuben has emerged as a potential bidder for Chelsea but has strong links to Newcastle
Reuben is said to play a role in running the Magpies and has been spotted in the directors’ box
Key partners Nike, Hyundai, Parimatch and Zapp are also looking at terminating their lucrative agreements with the Champions League hopefuls.
Abramovich’s attempt to sell the club has been blocked, although the government has said it could grant special dispensation for new owners to complete a deal and take control.
Abramovich has been punished over his ties to Vladimir Putin following the Russian president’s decision to invade Ukraine in February.
Reuben was involved at a boardroom level at Queens Park Rangers and has been pictured with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The Reuben family has expertise in property, and the outlet claimed that Jamie has been discussing building a new stadium for Chelsea.
US businessman Todd Boehly and Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss are known to be among the potential bidders to take over the Premier League giants.
Third-placed Chelsea host Newcastle in the top flight on Sunday. Thomas Tuchel’s side won 3-1 at Norwich on Thursday.
Reuben’s father, David (right), and his brother, Simon, own around 10 percent of Newcastle
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